In Memory of John Beekman

July 6, 2023

John Alfred Beekman, ASA 1958, MAAA 1970, was born on July 14, 1931, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on May 6th, 2023 near Cincinnati, Ohio where his daughter lived. John served in the Korean Communications Zone Army Headquarters in Taegu and Pusan, Korea from 1953 to 1955, and he would tell his family how he did statistics while over in Korea. John was a mathematician by heart and earned a MS in Actuarial Science from the University of Iowa in 1957 and a PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1963. He was a faculty member at Ball State University from 1963 to 1996. He founded and directed the BS and MS programs in Actuarial Science and he had students come to study at Ball State from all around the world. He authored over 50 research papers and three books. He trained over 200 actuaries, many with whom he remained in contact with all of his life. John and Jane visited many former students as they toured the US, stopping for visits to Alaska among many other states. After retirement, he and his colleagues began researching the benefits of early childhood education. John and his Ball State colleagues addressed the Indiana State Legislature about the connection between early childhood education, success in education and ultimately in health outcomes as adults. He was also passionate about promoting women in science and was so proud of his female mentees who have gone on to lead successful actuarial science and research careers.

John loved the outdoors and spent his time downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, golfing, and canoeing. These were family outings and often he would bribe his family and friends to stay out and ski just one more run with chocolate which he always carried in his pockets! John loved their lake cottage on Lake Papakeechie in northern Indiana. John designed the A-frame part of the cottage, and the cottage provided a real getaway and retreat for family and friends for 21 years. John thoroughly enjoyed his long and active membership at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, treasurer, choir, and taught Sunday school classes. John was close to the Lord, and prayer was always part of their lives from grace at the table to prayers for family and friends. John was active at the Muncie Food Pantry and took great enjoyment out of volunteering with that organization. He was also a volunteer at the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for years. John and Jane took over 20 Road Scholars tours that included many states and a trip to England. John and Jane thoroughly loved their Muncie community including many friends and colleagues at Ball State University, Delaware County Christian Ministries, Association for Lifelong Learners, and the Catalina Club.

John is survived by his close partner and love, Jane Kyhl Beekman, who he was married to on July 9, 1955, his two daughters Karen Eden (Kevin) and their children, Matthew and Erika; and Ann Arrasmith (Don) and their girls, Amanda and Colleen.

Any donations in memory of John can be sent to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303 or for the Actuarial Science Scholarship in honor of John and Jane Beekman made out to the Ball State University Foundation and addressed to the Ball State University Foundation, Ball State University, 2800 W. Bethel Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304, and the Scholarship number is: #055600F.